The build-out of the Merchants Greene commercial property off West Andrew Johnson Hwy. is continuing with two nearly identical 12,000-square-foot strip-mall shopping centers on land east of Home Trust Bank.
Shannon Greene, the primary developer, says he has letters of intent from businesses that will occupy 75% of the rental space, and that’s the target he set to begin construction.
The grading work has already begun. Greene says he anticipates the buildings will be complete and ready for occupancy by the end of September, but he declined to identify the businesses whose owners have committed.
“It’s still pretty tough,” Greene said. “It’s hard to secure these retailers. If it were easy, I’d have had it done a couple of years ago.” He says he’s looking forward to the day when the Exit 4 connector makes Merchants Greene accessible in about five minutes from Interstate 81. “I would hope that someone locally would want to move to a better location,” the developer said. “I think Wal-Mart creates a better location because of the traffic flow and convenience.”
What Greene did confirm is that he has Aubrey’s restaurant under contract. Aubrey Randall Burleson, restaurant owner, confirmed his interest and indicated he’s waiting on infrastructure upgrades to begin construction. The restaurant will be built on about 1.9 acres west of Merchants Greene Boulevard.
by staff reporters, Citizen Tribune
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